Abstract: The invention provides both a vacuum combiner and vacuum conveyor for combining a plurality of lightweight containers arranged in a random order and width into a single row of containers, and moving the containers on a conveyor line to downstream workstations at high speed rates. The vacuum combiner includes one or more conveyor belt-type surfaces, while the vacuum conveyor has a single belt-type surface, all of which have openings defined therein. Both devices also have at least two guide rail assemblies, and a vacuum source that adds a "drag" or "weighing" force on the light-weight containers moved thereon. The conveyor belt-type surfaces of the combiner and the conveyor may or may not be moving at the same velocity. The guide rail assemblies are each comprised of a plurality of rods and rollers, wherein the rollers are aligned in a unique anti-jamming staggered or diamond pattern.

Abstract: The invention provides both a vacuum combiner and vacuum conveyor for combining a plurality of lightweight containers arranged in a random order and width into a single row of containers, and moving the containers on a conveyor line to downstream workstations at high speed rates. The vacuum combiner includes one or more conveyor belt-type surfaces, while the vacuum conveyor has a single belt-type surface, all of which have openings defined therein. Both devices also have at least two guide rail assemblies, and a vacuum source that adds a "drag" or "weighing" force on the light-weight containers moved thereon. The conveyor belt-type surfaces of the combiner and the conveyor may or may not be moving at the same velocity. The guide rail assemblies are each comprised of a plurality of rods and rollers, wherein the rollers are aligned in a unique anti-jamming staggered or diamond pattern.